Lee Scholars Rhonda DiPronio and Jessica Sass at the Lee Scholars luncheon
For the second year in a row, five Daemen University students pursuing their Master’s in Social Work (MSW) received scholarships from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.
Jessica Sass, Jalisa Harper, Rhonda DiPronio, Lisa King, and Christina Carter, MSW ‘25, each received $10,000 from the Foundation, for a total of $20,000 over their two years in the program.
Lee Scholar Lisa King shared, “I can’t begin to express how extremely honored and grateful I am to receive the Patrick P. Lee Scholarship through the Daemen University Master of Social Work Program. Receiving this scholarship allows me to attend school without having to constantly worry about how I will pay for my education. I can put all my focus and energy in pursuing my goals so that I may become a better practitioner and stronger advocate for the community of individuals that I serve.”
Lee Scholar Lisa King
On October 25, the Foundation held a scholars luncheon for the 35 social work scholars it supports.
Patrick P. Lee Foundation’s Executive Director Jane Mogavero stated, “The Patrick P. Lee Foundation is excited to extend our mental health scholarships to Daemen University, which has a highly regarded Social Work program. By removing financial barriers, we are helping to grow the mental health workforce and position students for professional success. And, since the scholarship recipients are committed to remaining in WNY after graduation, community providers will have access to well-trained, dedicated staff.”
The scholars made a pledge to provide mental health services in the Western New York area for five years after obtaining their master’s degree.
Dr. Diane R. Bessel, MSW Program Director and Chair, Social Work and Sociology at Daemen said, “By supporting the next generation of mental health professionals, this scholarship is helping Western New York turn crisis into opportunity, equipping our region with the talent needed to tackle enduring mental health challenges head-on.”
Based in Buffalo, NY, the Patrick P. Lee Foundation is a private, family foundation committed to achieving immediate and measurable impact in the areas of education and mental health. Through its scholarship program, the Foundation supports students pursuing careers in mental health, addressing the growing demand for mental health professionals.